Description
This easy crockpot honey garlic chicken thighs recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner. With just 4 main ingredients, you get fork-tender, glistening chicken in a perfectly balanced sweet and savory sauce that tastes like takeout but requires almost zero effort.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Trim the chicken thighs: Place the thighs on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to trim off any excess fat or skin. Pat the thighs dry with paper towels.
- Arrange the thighs in the slow cooker: Place the trimmed thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in a single layer. If they overlap a little, that’s fine—they’ll shrink as they cook.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the honey and soy sauce until combined. Add the minced garlic and stir it in.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken: Pour the honey garlic mixture evenly over the chicken thighs. Use a spatula to scrape every last bit out of the bowl. Tilt the slow cooker a little to make sure the sauce spreads around.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours: Low and slow is preferred for more tender chicken and better melded flavors. High works fine if you’re short on time.
- Check for doneness: The chicken is done when it’s fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If it still feels firm, give it another 30 minutes.
- Optional: Thicken the sauce: If you want a thicker, glossier sauce, remove the chicken to a plate and cover it loosely with foil. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Turn the slow cooker to high, pour in the slurry, and stir. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the chicken over rice, noodles, or with your favorite vegetables. Spoon extra sauce over each serving. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if using.
Notes
Don’t open the slow cooker lid during cooking unless absolutely necessary—each time you lift it, you release heat and add 20-30 minutes to the cooking time. If cooking on high, start checking at the 3-hour mark. For a stronger garlic punch, save half the garlic and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The sauce will look thin at first; it thickens naturally or can be thickened with a cornstarch slurry. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 t
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 1000
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 33
Keywords: crockpot honey garlic chicken, slow cooker chicken thighs, easy chicken dinner, 4-ingredient dinner, honey garlic chicken, set it and forget it, weeknight dinner